Cup Plant

Silphium perfoliatum
 
Standing tall at around six feet (more in wetter soils, less in drier soils), Cup Plant's yellow blossoms can be seen starting in July when the butterflies visit them, and then later when the birds begin to feed on its seeds. Throughout the growing season, the water held in the leaf cups attract birds and other wildlife looking for a drink.
 
Height - 6ft to 8ft
Light - Full Sun, Part Shade
Soil Moisture - Medium to Moist
Bloom Colour - Yellow
Bloom Time - July, August
Invites - Bee’s, Bird’s, Butterflies, Fireflies, Hummingbirds
Host Plant for - Silphium Moth, Giant Eucosma Moth and Leaf Cutter Bees use the hollow stems as nest sites
Companion Plant Idea’s - Elderberry, Wild Bergamont, Joe Pye-weed, Giant Hyssop, Big Bluestem
 
***The leaves clasp at the stem, forming cups that collect rain, providing access to water for birds and bees.